Arequipa-La Joya Highway at Risk of Collapse: Bridge Failure Threatens Over 40,000 Residents

A crucial bridge on the Arequipa-La Joya highway in Peru is in danger of collapsing, threatening to isolate over 40,000 residents. The bridge, located near the district of Cerro Colorado, has developed a significant crack, prompting concerns about its structural integrity. Local residents have expressed fears about the potential consequences of the bridge’s failure, particularly during the upcoming rainy season. They have organized peaceful protests demanding immediate action from authorities to repair or rebuild the bridge. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has pledged to prioritize the construction of the Arequipa-La Joya highway, emphasizing its importance for decongesting traffic into the city of Arequipa.